While the mayor proposes an initial draft of Louisville’s annual budget, Metro Council members can adjust it and must approve the final version.
Each council member brings different priorities—areas where they want more funding, and others where they believe spending should be reduced.
As part of a voter guide, candidates in competitive primary races were asked:
- What areas should receive more funding?
- Where, if anywhere, should spending be reduced, and why?
Their responses were lightly edited for clarity.
Metro Council District 3
Keisha Dorsey
Keisha Dorsey did not submit responses by the deadline.
Kumar Rashad
More spending: Rashad said his priorities include expanding affordable housing through down payment and rental assistance, investing in youth mentoring and development programs, improving access to healthy food, strengthening public safety and infrastructure, and supporting parks, roads, transit, libraries, and fair wages for city workers.
Less spending: He said he would redirect funding from LMPD toward a Crisis Call Diversion Program that sends mental health professionals instead of police to crisis situations. He also wants to eliminate tax breaks for corporations that do not invest locally.
Shaun Spencer
More spending: Spencer said he would strengthen a community advisory group representing all neighborhoods in District 3 and hold regular meetings to gather resident feedback.
Less spending: He supports conducting an independent audit first to identify waste, then prioritizing spending on youth programs, job training, senior services, safety improvements, transportation, and small businesses.
Metro Council District 5
Betty Bailey
More spending: Bailey supports increased funding for youth workforce development, neighborhood safety, and assistance programs for seniors and people with disabilities. She also backs stronger code enforcement and revitalization efforts.
Less spending: She said funding should be reduced for short-term programs without measurable outcomes and redirected toward workforce training and financial literacy initiatives.
Ray “Sir Friendly C” Barker
More spending: Barker emphasized funding for social services and nonprofits, including food assistance programs, rental and utility aid, and prescription support.
Less spending: Instead of cutting spending, he wants changes to how Affordable Housing Trust Fund money is distributed, with more focus on homeownership and income-based housing.
Dave Duncan
More spending: Duncan listed priorities including senior and youth programs, healthier lifestyle initiatives, police training, road repairs, lighting, and economic development.
Less spending: He said there may not be a specific area to cut but believes efficiencies can be found.
Wallace Garner III
More spending: Garner said he would push for more funding for beautification projects.
Less spending: He criticized a lack of transparency in the city’s budget.
Aprile Hearn
More spending: Hearn supports funding for community centers, libraries, grocery access, senior care, and infrastructure.
Less spending: She would reduce funding for LMPD, arguing resources should instead support housing assistance and homelessness services.
Donna Purvis
More spending: Purvis highlighted infrastructure improvements like sidewalks and alley paving, along with support for community programs and nonprofits.
Less spending: She said no specific cuts come to mind.
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